Professor Kath Sloman, University of the West of Scotland (UWS).
Photo: UWS.
A new research project led by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) aims to improve the sustainability and resilience of shrimp farming in Southeast Asia through the development of low-cost, early-warning monitoring systems.
The three-year initiative is supported by a £3 million grant from the International Science Partnership Fund (ISPF) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), as part of a £12 million research funding package for projects on South-East Asian aquaculture.
The project brings together experts from UWS, Can Tho University (Vietnam), Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (Thailand), the University of Strathclyde, and the James Hutton Institute. It focuses on equipping small-scale shrimp farmers in Vietnam and Thailand with user-friendly accessible tools to monitor water quality, detect pathogens, and anticipate environmental threats using real-time data.
“The aquaculture sector in Southeast Asia is vital for livelihoods and food security, yet small-scale farmers face huge challenges in managing disease and water quality. Our project will co-develop accessible, low-cost biosensors and climate models to empower farmers with real-time data, allowing them to act before disease strikes," said project leader Professor Kath Sloman of UWS, in a press release.
"This is about boosting resilience, increasing productivity, and ensuring sustainability," Sloman added.
Among the technologies being developed are a hand-held biosensor to detect pathogens and harmful nitrogen levels, and an AI-based prediction tool to forecast disease risks using climate data.
The research team plans to engage with local farmers, policymakers, and industry leaders throughout the project, as well as to develop training programmes and a mobile application to support real-time monitoring.
The research will also explore gender-inclusive approaches to ensure equal access to training and technology adoption across the aquaculture workforce, the researchers said.
“For small-scale farmers in Vietnam, access to reliable, affordable technology can make the difference between a successful harvest and devastating losses. By integrating climate models and biosensors, we are giving farmers the tools they need to adapt to environmental changes and protect their livelihoods," said Dr Huynh Viet Khai of Can Tho University in Vietnam.
“By working closely with local farmers, we are ensuring that the tools we develop are not just scientifically advanced, but also practical, affordable, and easy to use. This research has the potential to drastically reduce shrimp mortality rates and increase yields," added Professor Fiona Henriquez-Mui, Co-Lead from the University of Strathclyde.
